Radnor HS Grad Opening Filet Mignon Sandwich Restaurant In Wayne

WAYNE, PA — Radnor High School graduate Brandon Howell was one of Nick Filet's first employees and in December he will become the owner and operator of the restaurant's first franchise, in its third location — Wayne.

The filet mignon sandwich restaurant will open at 313 E. Lancaster Avenue in the Wayne Square Shopping Center, thought the exact December date has not be set.

Howell graduated from Radnor High School in 2016, after attending Radnor Township schools his whole life. He said because of this, he knew the habits of the area, and where people went after school and on weekends. "I felt like I knew the area and what business here would look like."

He's still a student at Delaware County Community College, in classes part-time at all times as he builds his business career. He lives in Villanova.

Howell was one of Nick Filet’s first employees and served as COO and General Manager until deciding to become the company's first franchisee. Howell brings experience in marketing, new store design, website development, sales, customer service, and management to this new store.

"I’ve been passionate about this concept since day one," said Brandon Howell, owner of the Wayne location. "We’re making one of the most luxurious steaks on earth accessible to everyone in a fun and delicious way. I'm excited to share Nick Filet with my hometown and hope to open more locations in the future."

A jack-of-all-trades, the Radnor High School grad is versed in both front and back of house responsibilities as well as hiring, training, and administrative functions — everything it takes to be successful in the restaurant business.

Nick Filet is a fast-casual restaurant specializing in affordable, steakhouse quality meals for lunch and dinner. Known for its $8.99 cooked-to-order filet mignon sandwich on a toasted Amoroso Kaiser roll, it's meant to offer a high-end alternative to burger joints and cheesesteak shops.

Nick Filet's tender filet mignon sandwiches can be built to order with melted cheese and free toppings, including steak sauce, horseradish, mushrooms, and onions.

Philadelphia Magazine named Nick Filet a "Best of Philly 2020" winner for its $16.99 filet mignon and lobster Surf & Turf Sandwich. Many customers go for the signature sandwiches, such as the Nickadelphia which comes topped with provolone cheese, onions, and horseradish. Popular menu items also include a filet grilled cheese, bun-free filet bites, and parmesan truffle fries.

When Nick Filet's co-founders Nick and Keith Kline of Malvern cooked their first filet mignon sandwich on a backyard grill in 2018, they knew they had created something special. Within months, the father and son team had opened the first Nick Filet in Paoli, and quickly followed it up with a second location in Cape May, NJ. They announced in May 2020 that they would begin franchising in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

"Brandon has worked hard every day for two years straight to make Nick Filet a success," said co-founder and CEO Nick Kline. "He’s passionate, talented, and dedicated. I’m thrilled to see his hard work pay off with the opening of his own store. As we continue to grow, nothing would make me happier than if he ended up becoming our biggest franchisee."

The new 2,000 sq. ft. store features indoor seating that is temporarily limited per COVID-19 restrictions, takeout, delivery through DoorDash and Grubhub, and catering.

The Wayne location will be open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.nickfilet.com/